masking tape

[Stewart32]

Hey folks...

A popular motor mount construction technique calls for a wrap of masking tape to secure the motor clip in place. How long will this last. I know that after a long period of time masking tape tends to dry out and flake away. I can imagine that frequent use of a model would only accelerate this process as heat from engine would bake the adhesive.

So lately I have been splitting a short length of tube and glueing this in place as an alternate to tape. Anybody else do this?

 

[Fore Check]

Your method is probably more durable than tape.

I use radiator hose repair tape (it's like extra sticky, high-temp duct tape) and haven't had any issues.

Older Estes kits call for cutting out a paper "strap" and gluing that around the tube. I'm sure with enough glue soaked into the paper, this would be fine too.

I've started using a slip-over tube for 18mm mounts. I got a piece from BMS (also available from Totally Tubular) that slips over a BT20 (18mm mount tube) and holds the engine hook splendidly. Totally Tubular has just recently started selling one that slips over a BT50 (24mm mount tube) similarly.


In short, there are many methods - to each his/her own. If using the tape method, however, just pick a nice durable tape that will withstand the heat of a many launches.

 

[sandman]

I use nylon strapping tape. The kind that's just plain impossible to tear that's used for packages.

One wrap is plenty!

Get it at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, any drug store, any department store, any office supply, any dollar store...the post office!...you get my drift.

sandman

 

[astrowolf67]

Stewart, your method is perfectly fine, and will out last the masking tape by a long shot. The ones that I have taped, I smeared glue on top of the tape. Otherwise, I use an external ring, or as you have, a section of tube.

 

[Rocketman35]

I leave the motor clip out all together. Friction fit is the way to go in most low/mid power birds

 

[flying_silverad]

Originally posted by Rocketman35
I leave the motor clip out all together. Friction fit is the way to go in most low/mid power birds

....and, if at some point you think the tape is giving way to decay, start friction fitting

 

[swimmer]

Go to the hardware store and get some rubber "O" rings that will fit snugly around the motor and the motor clip. I use them all the time and never have had a motor eject. Would work great if the tape becomes brittle.

 

[Stewart32]

I have an 18mm RMS (on order) and plan to use it in "clip" mounts but am leary of ejection. I guess a wrap of tape around the clip and case would keep me from bitting my nails or is it overkill. Is the another technique for the small birds?

Gosh! I love this place!

 

[Dr. Don]

I have never had a rocket long enough to ever have an issue with the lifetime of masking tape, elmers glue, paint, bodytubes, motor mounts, parachutes, shockcords.....................
Masking tape is just fine!!!!
I found that if you wait long enough for your favorite Rocket- eating -tree to give up its grip on your rocket, all that you get back is the NOSECONE!!!!!
The one I retrieved today was the new adopted home of a frighteningly BIG spider ! Dr Don

 

[doxiedog315]

I have never had a rocket long enough to ever have an issue with the lifetime of masking tape, elmers glue, paint, bodytubes, motor mounts, parachutes, shockcords..................... TOOK THE WORDS RIGHT OUT OF MY MOUTH!

 

[rbeckey]

I am with Sandman. I use 1/2 inch packing tape on my mounts if they don't already have a slip over tube. The packing tape is very sticky and impossible to tear. I don't know how long it will last because I've never had any fail.